Frequently Asked Questions about Covenant Membership

As we move toward Covenant Membership in Fall 2012, we recognize its a shift in how we think about and live as the church together.   "Membership" sounds exclusive and has a negative connotation for some.  Some people are coming from painful church backgrounds that has made them fearful of commitment.    Whether you've been attending GraceSLO for years or just a few months, we want you to understand our heart as we move toward Covenant Membership.  We understand the need to process, think it out, and search the Scriptures.   We've prepared the following frequently asked questions to address possible concerns and questions.   We hope their helpful in your process. . . 
 

What are the goals & aims
 of Covenant Membership?

  • A way to deepen our life together.  

  • We see Covenant Membership as a commitment & shepherding tool. 

  • Not “command & control”
  • Not a money or power grab

What are the Benefits of
 Covenant Membership?

  • GraceSLO is functioning well.  We believe Covenant Membership can help us function better and grow more.  

  • We believe there are multiple benefits for both individuals and our church leadership.
  • Benefits for the individual:
    • A way to quickly know GraceSLO. 
    • A way to specifically commit to and know you are a vital part of the community of GraceSLO.
    • A way to live the Christian life in a committed, submitted caring way with others.  
    • A way to quickly get involved across the life of GraceSLO.
    • A way to take seriously the Biblical metaphors used to describe the church (body, family, flock, building).
    • A way to declare to the world the Gospel . . .  that God saves sinners and calls them into his committed, forever family to live in distinct ways with and before Him.
       
  • Benefits for our leadership:
    • A way to encourage commitment to the local church, in a non-committal age.
    • A way to know who is “in the flock” here at GraceSLO so we can shepherd and care well.
    • A way to quickly “ramp” newcomers into service.  We know who they are and they’ve committed to our covenant.  (Currently, we have no intentional way to quickly vet people.)
    • A way to guard the flock from false doctrine, false teachers and lawsuits.

Why are we using a signed “covenant”?

  • In line with Biblical practice of covenants.
  • A way to call into committed engagement at GraceSLO.
  • A commitment to live together before the Lord in Biblical ways.
  • A way to be clear about who we are and how we live together as a church.

What if I don’t agree with the Declaration of faith in some places?  Can I still be a member?

  • You will notice in the language of the GraceSLO Covenant that we are not asking or requiring members to AGREE with the DOF and GraceSLO Relational Commitments, but to READ and ABIDE BY them.
  • We want to allow room for those who disagree with certain points of the DOF.
  • At the same point, we want to be clear that this is what we believe and teach here at GraceSLO.

What is the “Get to Know You” conversation all about? 
That scares me!

  • The conversation is simply a chance for incoming members to personally connect with our leadership face to face.   We want to be personal shepherds who know the flock.  
  • Our intent is not to disqualify, but to welcome all who desire to join our church.

Why is baptism a qualification
 for Covenant Membership?

  • In the New Testament and Early Church, baptism is closely associated with entrance into the church.  
  • The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 defines baptism as part of the basic obedience of disciples.  It's how followers of Jesus proclaim their faith.
  • Commitment to a local church is another way disciples can and should show their faith to the world, but we believe baptism should happen first.

Why 17 years of age?

  • Young people mature at different stages.   We had to choose a baseline.
  • We chose 17 to offset other cultural markers like getting your driver’s license (16) and voting (18).  
  • At the same time, we want to nurture and encourage commitment to a local church at a young age and before many young people leave the area for college.

What about college students?

  • We encourage high school students and college students 17 years or older to commit and become Covenant Members for as long as they are here with us.

When will membership classes start?

  • Fall 2012 during the 1st & 2nd hours.
  • Limited to 25-30 people.
  • Required for all who desire to become Covenant Members.

Will future serving opportunities be restricted to only 
covenant members?

  • Many opportunities will be open to all, but some leadership and teaching opportunities will be restricted to just members.  
  • We will allow a 3 year window for all those currently serving in these areas to become members.

Here are some examples of opportunities that will be open to ALL, both Covenant Members and non members:  

Sunday School Classroom & Nursery helpers , Welcome Team, All Church Events Team, Sunday Morning Refreshments Team, God's Storehouse Volunteers, Fall Kick Off & Serve Day Volunteers, Choir, Office Volunteers & Worship Folder Stuffers, Meals Ministry, Caring Callers, Missions Trip Volunteers

Here are some examples of opportunities that will be open to Covenant Members:

Ministry Staff, Elders & Deacons, Leadership Board & Team Members, Growth Group Coaches & Shepherds, Worship Team Leaders, Adult Seminar Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, Men's & Women's Bible Study & Small Group Leaders, Student Ministry Staff

What about church discipline?

  • We encourage you to read the GraceSLO Commitment to Accountability & Church Discipline, which explains our approach to the delicate area of church discipline.
  • We don’t see church discipline becoming any more frequent than it currently is at GraceSLO.
  • We don’t see Covenant Membership as a means to church discipline, but as a means to loving care.

Will Covenant Membership create an insider/outsider feel at GraceSLO?

  • That has not been our experience in our past churches.  This is not our expectation.  
  • Our desire is to be ever more open, warm and welcoming to newcomers. We believe inviting people to commit through Covenant Membership is part of this welcome to more effectively help people understand how to get involved and contribute to GraceSLO.
  • We expect the Sunday experience at GraceSLO will look and feel no different than it does now. 

What if i don’t want to become a Covenant Member at this time or ever?

  • We will encourage you to commit to our church family through Covenant Membership when you’re ready.
  • We will continue to welcome and love you as brothers and sisters in Christ.
  • We will endeavor to care for you as we are able and as you let us.

What about the constitution and bylaws? How do those relate to Covenant Membership?

  • Since we see membership having to do with our congregational life together and not with our governance, per se, we are moving forward with a Covenant Membership now.
  • Our Constitution and Bylaws are in process and we will plan to share them with the church family by this time next year, if not before.

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